Heat Eye Veteran Forward to Strengthen Young Roster
According to writers Kelly Iko and Law Murray of The Athletic, the Miami Heat are among several teams interested in a potential trade for veteran forward P.J. Tucker. Tucker is currently with the Los Angeles Clippers but has garnered attention from multiple teams. At 38, Tucker has proven himself as a tough-minded, defensive role player, though his recent season's numbers have been modest. In 31 games last season, which was split between the Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers, Tucker averaged just 1.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, shooting 36% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc.
Currently, Tucker is away from the Clippers, with the organization granting his agent, Andre Buck, permission to explore potential trades. NBA reporter Chris Haynes shared that both sides are working together to find a deal: “Sources: Los Angeles Clippers granted permission for P.J. Tucker’s agent, Andre Buck, to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade. Both sides continue working together while the veteran remains away from the team, waiting for an opportunity to contribute to winning.” While the Clippers are open to a trade, they’ve made it clear they don’t intend to waive Tucker or buy out his contract. He’s in the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal signed with the Sixers in July 2022.
Tucker played one season with Miami in 2021-22, where he averaged single-digit points, rebounds, and assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and an impressive 41.5% from three-point range. That season, he brought intensity to the team, helping them secure the number-one seed in the Eastern Conference before they were ultimately ousted in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals. Given the Heat’s current roster makeup and needs, Tucker’s leadership, toughness, and defense fit well with Miami’s celebrated “Heat Culture.” His past contributions, such as his career-high 23-point performance against the Cavaliers in 2022, underscore his ability to step up in critical games.
If a trade does happen, Tucker could find himself not only as a veteran presence on the court but potentially as a mentor or specialist, perhaps even transitioning into a coaching or player-development role with the Heat. For a team focused on toughness, grit, and defense, Tucker could be the right influence, guiding younger players to embrace the team’s high standards. While adding Tucker could mean a high-value defensive role player returns to Miami, his age and recent decline in productivity may make the Heat cautious. Nevertheless, if Miami decides the time is right, they could potentially bring back a familiar face well-suited to their culture and ready to contribute, perhaps in a limited but impactful role.
